Bridgeport’s Kaitlin Smith has been named Maid Silvia LXXXIII of the Mountain State Forest Festival. She will be crowned Queen Silvia during the 2019 festivities, which run Sept. 28 through Oct. 6 in  Elkins. 

 

"Kaitlin's family has close ties to Elkins and the surrounding area. She has grown up admiring the festival and will serve as a distinguished representation of our traditions," said Forest Festival Director General Robin Miller. 

 

The Mountain State Forest Festival is one of West Virginia's largest and oldest festivals, promoting the beauty and traditions of the Mountain State and drawing 75,000-plus visitors annualy.

 

In addition to parades and pageantry, the festival features concerts and live music, a lumberjack competition, forestry and wood exhibits, juried art show, exhibits and amusement rides. 

 

Smith is a 2018 graduate of Bridgeport High School and sophomore at Fairmont State University, where she is studying business management. She is on the Dean's List, plays on the Fighting Falcon soccer team and is a member of the Mountain East Conference Athletic All-Academic Team. 

 

She said she has attended and loved the festival since she was a little girl. 

 

"Each year during the coronation - and watching the queen come down the hill - I always thought it would be a great experience to be the queen, but didn't think I would ever be chosen for such an honor," she said. 

 

Smith's mother Donna (Gola) served as Forest Festival maid of honor and her aunts were princesses. Serving as Queen Silvia is a great honor, she said. 

 

"I could not be more happy and excited to be tasked with being the queen of such a great festival," she said. "I hope to represent my hometown of Bridgeport honorably throughout Elkins and all of Randolph County as Maid Silvia and soon to be Queen Silvia the 83rd." 

 

Smith will be crowned Queen Silvia LXXXIII during the royal coronation Oct. 4 at the outdoor amphitheater on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. The elaborate outdoor ceremony will feature 40 princesses from throughout West Virginia, two maids of honor and a minor court. 

 

Smith looks forward to reigning over this year’s Mountain State Forest Festival. She has many appearances, starting with the Sept. 28 opening ceremony and Sept. 29 children's parade. 

 

"I will be visiting all the county schools and many businessses during the beginning of the week," she said. "I will be speaking and recognized at the Distinguished Guest Dinner on Thursday and crowned queen at the coronation on Friday. Also on Friday is the Fireman's Parade, along with the Queen's Ball, wood chopping contest and then the parade on Saturday and country music show Saturday night." 

 

Smith is the daughter of Paul and Donna Smith. Her brother Logan is also a Fairmont State student. She is the granddaughter of Emilio "Shorty" and Carolyn Gola of Elkins, the late Gene Smith, Grace "Kitty" Smith and Denny Alt of Alpena. 

 

Read more about the Mountain State Forest Festival at the festival Web site HERE.